Northwest Community College Connections

First Nations Fine Arts Student Takes Back His Roots

“I’ve always been interested in art. In high school I used to make small wood sculptures and a little bit of jewelry. Art was one of my favourite subjects,” says Angelo Cavagnaro, 20 and a second-year student at NWCC’s Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. “I didn’t really know about the First Nations Fine Arts program until I finished a Career and College Preparation course in 2011.”

From Gitlakdamix (New Aiyansh), Cavagnaro started a degree in mechanical engineering in Vancouver in the fall of 2011. He came back to the Northwest to pursue his interests in art and learn more about his culture. In his program he is learning traditional art skills in woodcarving. He carves portrait masks, spoons and different styles of bowls.

“This is a unique learning experience that you can’t find anywhere else,” he says.

Courses are taught by world-renowned carvers Stan Bevan (Tahltan/Tlingit/Tsimshian), Ken McNeil (Tahltan/Tlingit/Nisga’a) and Dean Heron (Kaska/Tlingit).

“My instructors are very helpful and it’s an honour to learn from them,” says Cavagnaro. “I do artwork during the day and hang out with students after class. I didn’t know anyone in the program when I started. Now they feel like family.”   

After Angelo graduates with a NWCC Fine Arts Diploma next April he plans to do some travelling.

“I dream of going to New Zealand to learn about the Maori people and their art. But for now I plan to stay in the Northwest. Creating artwork has inspired me to participate more in my culture. Now I want to go fishing and hunting and study the traditional use of plants. Later on I’d like to show others how to live off the land.”

NWCC hosts conference and art show to help and highlight local artisans and natural resources

—News release courtesy SNCIRE, with files from NWCC

TERRACE – Northwest BC artisans who work with natural materials will gather in Terrace at the end of this month to learn from industry experts how to succeed in the art world.
 
Beyond Lumber - Art from Nature conference and art show will take place Friday, June 29 and Saturday, June 30 at Waap Galts'ap Longhouse at Northwest Community College's (NWCC) Terrace Campus.
 
"This event is a tremendous opportunity for all artists of the Northwest to get together to learn, network and be inspired. I'm definitely not going to pass up this opportunity to learn new skills and gain knowledge from a great group of inspiring folks and speakers," says carver and painter Rod Brown.

Carol Young Bagshaw, a 2011 NWCC graduate from the Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, agrees. She's looking forward to networking with artists and clients, learning from other participants attending the workshops and having a venue to show her work.

"I consider myself very successful at selling my work; however, there is always something new to learn and I enjoy sharing my own experiences," said the Prince Rupert-based Haida artist.

On Friday, artisans from throughout the region will participate in various workshops such as Working with Galleries, Marketing your Work, Photographing your Work and Business Start-Up. At lunch, keynote speaker Alano Edzerza, a young and successful Tahltan artist who grew up in Terrace, will speak about his journey to becoming a professional artist.
 
Edzerza runs a gallery in Vancouver and has his own line of sportswear which features northwest coast art, Edzerza Sports. His portfolio includes creating large scale installations and designing the Dutch team's uniforms for the 2010 Olympics.
 
Edzerza's presentation is open to the public as are a salmon BBQ and the Beyond Lumber art show opening that night from 6 to 8pm. On Saturday, artists will display their art and give demonstrations and talks about their work and experiences. Edzerza will speak again as will Tim Strang, marketing director for Hill's Native Art in Vancouver. Everyone is welcome.
 
Beyond Lumber is being organized through a partnership between the Skeena-Nass Centre for Innovation in Resource Economics (SNCIRE), Skeena Diversity Society and Northwest Community College.

Inspiration for the event comes from the idea that supporting Northwest BC artists is just one of many ways to help diversify the region's economy and make it more sustainable.
 
"Sometimes a single tree is worth much more when it is used to produce high quality art than when it is milled for lumber," says SNCIRE Executive Director Rick Brouwer. "By focusing on high value products such as art first and commodities second, we are taking better advantage of our natural resources, and that is key if our region wants to escape the boom and bust cycles."

This is the first year this event will be held and it's expected to become an annual or biannual celebration.

For more info go to www.beyondlumber.ca

Registration deadline for the conference and keynote lunch is Tuesday, June 26, 2012.

Paula's last blog: Every Bitter Thing is Sweet

    I am very sorry for my absence since my last entry blog in February. It has been a very difficult time for my family and me. I have not been 100 percent myself since my grandfather had his first stroke. I really loved to go to class, though; no matter what, my instructors, class and art made me strong and gave me the will and power to get through this. You probably all have heard about my grandfather, Clifford Bolton.  His death was a big loss for all of us.  

My grandfather, Kitsumkalum master carver, Clifford Bolton passed away April 12, 2012.  He is a great loss for not only the Tsimshian community, but also all nations. He was an inspiration to all artists. In his desire to preserve the Tsimshian culture, he opened a path for artists to explore their own personal visions.  

My grandfather and I were very close-knit. He was a funny man, full of stories and compassion, an exceptional artist and friend. I will miss him greatly.  This picture I took a shot of my grandfather was taken at the Freda Diesing Student exhibition on April 15, 2011.  For the last 6 years, he contributed to the Freda Diesing of Northwest Coast Art School.  I thought I want to share something special he would be remembered where he loved the most was looking at the Northwest Coast pieces and meeting people. 

I am honoured to carry on his carving skills, as the very same instructors who taught him trained me: Stan Bevan, Ken McNeil, Dempsey Bob, and the late Freda Diesing.

The Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art at Northwest Community College changed my whole life. Enrolling in the First Nations Fine Arts program is the best decision I ever made in my life. I am very fortunate to have gotten to know Stan, Ken, Dean, and Dempsey in the last few years, as I have enrolled twice but had to withdraw from the program for family matters. Eventually, I came back in September 2010 to give myself another opportunity. Perhaps it is my lucky charm this time that I was able to complete the Diploma program.

My classmates and I celebrated our year-end show and graduation ceremony on April 13, 2012.  This ceremony is something I will never forget and I would like to give my gratitude to all of my classmates, the sign language interpreters, and all members of NWCC—especially the Freda Diesing instructors.

Beyond the Freda Diesing School, I also have future ideas for my art. At end of March, I received a letter from Emily Carr University (in Vancouver) that I have been accepted to go into the third year of the Visual Arts program there. Unfortunately, I could not accept this spot for September 2012.  Instead, I will be going to the school in September 2013.  Since I was 17 years old, my dream has been to go to Emily Carr.  For this gap year, I will have the opportunity to spend time with the local carvers and practice my carving skills, and try other media on my own. This will give me more confidence in myself so that I know I can do this. 

It has been my privilege to write my last blog for Northwest Community College. Be safe, be happy and please feel free to contact me at: [email protected]

 

Paula Wesley is NWCC's  full-time student blogger! Currently a second-year First Nations Fine Arts student at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, Paula's mother is Coast Salish from Chilliwack, her father is Tsimshian from Port Essington. Born in 1976 in Terrace, BC, where she currently resides, she says she's inspired by the art of her people and creates art to continue what her people started long before her, "to express my cultures and represent our people through art."

Over the fall and winter semesters, she'll be giving her take on student life at NWCC. We're excited to see and read her posts and encourage you - the college community - to follow along.

 

Freda Diesing 2012 Exhibit: Arts of the North

Come check out the beautiful art work from the talented students at Northwest Community College's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art this Friday and Saturday. This is the 6th annual Freda Diesing student exhibit held at the Waap Galts 'ap Terrace Campus.

A variety of carvings, paintings and more from both first- and second-year First Nations Fine Arts students will be showcased and priced to sell.

All are invited to meet, greet, mingle and discuss the art with the artists themselves over the weekend exhibition.

Paula’s Blog: How to become a bridge between hearing and Deaf culture

Brooke Sproule just spent a month on a practicum at Northwest Community College as a Sign Language Interpreter. She worked closely with First Nations Fine Arts Diploma student Paula Wesley, an NWCC student blogger.

The dialogue between the two talking with hands

PW:  Hello. I’m Paula. What’s your name? How are you?
BS:  I’m Brooke Sproule. I’m good, thanks.

PW:  Welcome to my hometown Terrace, I hope you are enjoying your stay!
BS:  Oh yes, I am loving this whole experience!  I didn’t expect Terrace would have such breathtaking views. The mountains, river, forests and all the snow is amazing!

PW:  What did you expect when you first came to NWCC, Terrace Campus?
BS:  I had no idea what Terrace would look like, how the experience at the college would be. I am being mentored by one of the professional Sign Language Interpreters who works here and before arriving, she explained a little bit about the small community of Terrace, as well as the college. It is cool to be in such a small, friendly community where everyone knows each other and waves when they pass by.

PW:  Yep, that’s right.
BS:  I really love it here!

PW:  How has the past four weeks been for you? Is it nice to get a more hands-on experience? Do you like working with the two different programs: First Nations Fine Arts (FNFA) and the Criminology Specialization program?
BS:  In the Criminology program, with the other student, it is a classroom setting with more of a formal approach compared to FNFA. With the FNFA classes, I notice that on some days it was casual, yet challenging at times. In order to be successful, I have to do prep before arriving to class, such as reading textbooks and gathering information from each instructor. This way, I am fully prepared to interpret for each class.

PW:  (nodding)
BS:  It as been an interesting experience at NWCC as I have been learning about three different cultures and backgrounds.  I have learned to observe people and try to match their character and personality traits. Sometimes, accents are difficult to follow but I do my best so I can sign or voice accurately. I have really enjoyed interacting and learning more about Deaf, hearing and First Nations culture.

PW:  If you wouldn’t mind, you could explain what Classifiers (CL) means in American Sign Language?
BS:  Classifiers are different hand shapes, which represent nouns and verbs. CLs are used to describe the locations, kinds of actions, size, shapes and manner. In the FNFA class, I noticed that we use a lot of CLs for describing or interpreting carving techniques, drawings and paintings. I use CLs because they are more visual for you, especially when it comes to describing hands-on projects. I have to know various names of the carving tools, native vocabulary and different cultural things like where to carve with precision etc… and what words are often used in class. I find this challenging to learn pronunciation of native vocabulary and learn the new signs that have already been established by you. I have also asked some of the Elders from class on how to pronounce native words properly.

PW:  Do you find it easy or hard to interpret for someone with a sense of humour?
BS:  Oh yeah… interpreting humor is a big challenge for me. Deaf and hearing humour are very different. For example, I have to try and interpret a joke for a 60-year-old man; look at me! I am a 20-year-old woman trying to match a man’s style of speaking, which is kind of funny. I have learned a lot from being here but I am still challenged by the concept of interpreting humour and will continue to grow and develop.

*laughing*

PW:  This is funny for sure. I can imagine that it is a lot of work to learn so much in such a short period of time.
BS:  Yes, this is a very unique and rich learning experience for me. I have had to work hard in order to learn all of the vocabulary and other things for both of the programs.

PW:  So do you feel that you have learned something from your experience up north that you will be able to carry on in your education? I bet you are probably one of the only people in your program that gets to experience the rich culture here on the campus in Terrace, B.C.
BS:  I have really enjoyed working with the students, as well as the communication access team.  Each person has their own style of speaking and communication with each other. I feel I have improved in many different areas.

Before coming to Terrace I did some prep by reading books on First Nations culture in order to learn a little and have an idea of what to expect. I really respect all the cultures and I am so grateful to have developed my skills by interacting and interpreting with everyone. As interpreters, it is important to respect one another and work as a team.

PW:  Right! Do you feel that you have benefited from the hands-on experience at the College?
BS:  Oh definitely! It is nice to finally get out of the classroom and into the ‘real world’. I feel like the College has really supported me and feels like a family. I feel connected with the College because just like your class, you have a family because of the small size; back at my school in New Westminster we also have small classes. I have notice and appreciated how Terrace and NWCC is such a tight-knit community. And I feel so supported and welcomed.

PW:  Do you think you could describe a bit about the IEP?  What does it stand for? How long does the program take?
BS:  IEP stands for Interpreter Education Program and it takes two years to complete the program.

PW:  I have heard that before entering the two-year program that usually students have to take a 10-month program at Vancouver Community College. Did you have to do this?
BS:  No, I actually got to skip that 10-month program because I grew up with a Deaf sister, so I was able to challenge the program and got accepted. The program is very difficult to get into. At Douglas College, we have to learn how to interpret, learn how to sign fluently as well as learn about ethics and boundaries.

PW:  One last question; what made you decide to become an interpreter?
BS:  Well, as you know, my sister is Deaf, so that got me interested. But the other reason is my fascination with the language and lifestyle. When I was 7 years old, Amanda (the professional interpreter here at NWCC) came and stayed with my family for one of her practicums. I immediately created a friendship with her and she became my role model. I have learned so much from this experience and everyone is so great. It is my goal to become the best interpreter I can be and I am so grateful to have had this four-week placement at NWCC.

PW:  I think this is it. Thank you so much for sharing your experiences in life!

 

Biography of Brooke Sproule: I grew up in a small town in the Okanagan (Oyama B.C.). At a young age I decided that I wanted to become a sign language interpreter through the influence of my younger Deaf sister. I moved to Vancouver to take the two-year program of Sign Language Interpretation at Douglas College. This intensive program includes three, four-week long practicums. I have been up here in Terrace for the past four weeks working and learning about the interpreting process. I have enjoyed my time here and look forward to my next two practicums in Vancouver, then Texas! Thanks everyone for the support!

 

I very much enjoyed meeting and working with Brooke.  It feels like she only arrived two days ago and it’s already been a month!

Paula Wesley is NWCC's newest full-time student blogger! Currently a second-year First Nations Fine Arts student at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, Paula's mother is Coast Salish from Chilliwack, her father is Tsimshian from Port Essington. Born in 1976 in Terrace, BC, where she currently resides, she says she's inspired by the art of her people and creates art to continue what her people started long before her, "to express my cultures and represent our people through art."

Over the fall and winter semesters, she'll be giving her take on student life at NWCC. We're excited to see and read her posts and encourage you - the college community - to follow along.

Paula's Blog - Traveling Around the World through the pages

 

I have read some books through the year.  However; this is quite challenging because I realize I do too much researching than reading for pleasure.  That is why I thought I would do at least try to do a light reading book.  The other books I have been reading for my own pleasure.  I read in a quiet place where I can focus on reading and let it be a safe place.  Apart from school assignments, I love to read a book to help me relax and let my thoughts be in peace without feeling distressed.  It is a like meditation to me and when I read a story I feel like I become one of the characters myself, you know.

Here are a few of the things that I have been looking at and what I think of them.  What I got out of it. Who suggested it to me.  Whether I would recommend it. 

Right now I am reading a book called The Book of Negroes.  The story is quite interesting.  It talks about the African child have gone through many struggles.  It is truly inspiration. This book was given as a gift from my grandmother. 

My rating: 4 stars

 

You might also like read some historical and cultural books:

• Cherokee
• You Are Asked To Witness:  The Sto:lo in Canada’s Pacific Coast History
• American Indian Myths and Legends

 

What I got out of it is Anatomy for Fantasy Artists.  It helps me to understand how to improve my drawing skills for shading and forms.

My sister said I would enjoy this book.  That it would challenge me and enrich me.  That it would broaden my perspective and understanding.  That it would help me make sense of my frustration with my own kind, in a world radically changed.  Indigenous Storywork did all of that & more. 

My rating:  5 stars

 

 If you are not in the mood for reading in text then I would recommend Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind book.  It is about the the princess who rescue and befriended with the insects in the valley. In the world of Nausicaä and the Earth’s ecosystem have gone through quite changes.

My rating:  5 stars 

 

 Fantasy Art Now is breaktaking! This book contains awesome pictures and details on the art - I am finding it so very fascinating. This is one of those "Once you start - you just can't stop" books which depicts in detail the art, the artists behind the art and details of how the art came to be.  Who does enjoy and love to read fantasy art.

My rating:  5 stars

 

It would be nice to have an open discussion or suggestions of books to read.  I am trying to at least read some books that are not related to school research or assignments.  You may have heard or read from Christine's blog and also the President already mention about the college’s economic crisis on our NWCC Connections website.  This is why I wanted to do something different for this blog.

I would love to hear your suggestions, drop a note in the comments box! I would like to keep myself open-minded and open to any suggestions for future blogs.

Paula Wesley is NWCC's newest full-time student blogger! Currently a second-year First Nations Fine Arts student at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art, Paula's mother is Coast Salish from Chilliwack, her father is Tsimshian from Port Essington. Born in 1976 in Terrace, BC, where she currently resides, she says she's inspired by the art of her people and creates art to continue what her people started long before her, "to express my cultures and represent our people through art."

Over the fall and winter semesters, she'll be giving her take on student life at NWCC. We're excited to see and read her posts and encourage you - the college community - to follow along.

 

Welcome to the beginning of our journey towards 2012!

The beginning of the year always seems the appropriate time to take a step back and see what happened in the last few months…So let’s take a deep breath…

First of all, I am sorry for not keep in touch with the blog for the readers since school re-opened.  I felt like everything seem to go into the opposite way, if you know what I mean.  Perhaps I am the only one who feel this way.

The last year has been a busy for me…In September 2010, I had to draw the ovoids over and over.  We all did draw about the ovoids in dreams.  Crazy, hey but it did help!  After Christmas 2011, everything I felt was under pressure and stayed sane with the deadlines for two Art gallery show.  There were quite a lot of things happened in the Spring time and I thought I wasn’t even ready to finish all 4 assignments which was hectic.  And then I finally graduated in April.

Now I look back to this Fall 2011 that I have gone through quite a lot.  I have no idea how the heck I did manage to keep up with school and family schedule but hey I am still here!

What I have realized that I decide to make amends for 2012 that my priority is ME!   I didn’t realize how much my life has been way off and over my head.  After Christmas, I told my partner that I decide that I would start to look after myself first, then taking care of my lil’ man who is 4 years old with more TLC and well-balanced schedule for school, family and for myself too.  I wasn’t thinking straight and my partner told me that I worked too way hard.  I said, “Are you kidding, TW?”   I thought I didn’t really I wasn’t trying hard enough to keep up with school.  I realize that I have been staying up late quite a lot than I thought.  This doesn’t sound good. I had to stop and re-evaluate myself whether I am sane or crazy enough to have less sleep whenever I don’t feel tired. Now I feel that I need to spend more time with my family:  TW and my lil’ man.  They are my whole world and I could not imagine without them.

I guess you probably all need to look at yourselves in the mirror.  I remember one time, this individual once told me but I won’t mention the person’s name in here, however, someone told me to go home and look in the mirror, take a good look at myself.  At first I didn’t believe that I was a success and I denied it.  Somehow, someone said, “You are already a success so start now by saying this to your self everyday in the mirror (Oh and without laughing)".   Well, it took me several practice to start believing in myself.

I hope I still have the confidence to keep it up for 2012.  That doesn’t mean I need to spend less in school but tune up with the schedule and go for a walk with my dog everyday.  That makes a big difference, even thought I thought I was going crazy for not able to keep everything together.  I guess I better sign off and it is 11:36pm.  See what I mean.  I am pretty tempted to continue on and typing but I have to be a bit more firm with myself for getting enough sleep. Until next blog, I will come up with something more interesting, I hope so.  Good night to all..Take it easy.



Paula's Blog: Deaf Culture parallels Native Culture

As I have become involved in art, I have really noticed how much Deaf and Native culture have in common.  As an a carver and artist, I use visual images passed down without a written form, much like I do in Deaf culture.   Art is a visual language and is not written.  So, it would seem obvious that the First Nations would be very keen on the visual arts.  There are many famous First Nations artists who have continually and accurately portrayed the First Nations experiences on their media of choice.  Art culture itself is even passed down “verbally” through storytelling, songs, ceremony, totems, carvings, rituals, paintings, community gathering, dancing, performances, dreamings, and designs – not through books like non-native cultures. 

Like First Nations art, there is a wealth of Deaf art including poetry, stories, theatre, media, mime, games and comedy and that teach the culture.  Most of these are not written down.  There are couple examples of links related to Deaf Culture: Deaf Culture Centre and  Deaf artist websites.

These avenues demonstrate and support the way Deaf people lives their lives:  being Deaf and proud!  Now, you may notice that in First Nations communities, we are also proud of who we are.

First Nations has a culture of art that reaches both positive and negative ends of the spectrum unlike any others;  I have truly learned so much about the First Nations simply by seeing the artwork that First Nations culture produces.  The First Nations people have experienced many negative life changing events throughout history.  They’ve been strongly oppressed and labeled as “non-human” in the early centuries.  More recently, have even been forbidden to express and identify with their spirituality in a variety of different ways.  That is why the Freda Diesing  Art School is so important.  The strong positive connections and community in the First Nations Fine Art program is like finally finding the light at the end of a dark tunnel. 

The Deaf community has also hundred of years of oppression.  Even 130 years ago, they were forbidden to use their sign language and even now are expected to conform to hearing society.  Should we be forced to wear FM devices, hearing aids or surgically altered (cochlear implants) to fit this society?  Is this supposed to make our lives easier or is it supposed to make hearing society more comfortable?

Just like with First Nations culture, not all people agree and some have good reasons for this disagreement.  I just want to educate that these are decisions we all have to make for ourselves.  I can only share my experience as a First Nations Deaf person and hope that you will make your own decisions.

I hope that you have gained as much from reading this as I have from writing this blog.    I also wanted to show you what I have been making out of little buttons for Christmas ornaments, see a cute Snowman on left, White angel on top right and Santa Claus on right below.  Hope you can see the photo that I took from my Christmas tree as the Christmas lights may have made it a bit bright in the background.   

Please have  a safe and happy holidays.  See you in the New Year 2012!

NWCC Student Blogger - Paula Wesley

Paula Wesley is NWCC's newest full-time student blogger!

Paula is currently a second-year First Nations Fine Arts student at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art. She is from the Wolf people from Coast Salish and also is Tsimshian, born in 1976 in Terrace, BC, where she currently resides. Says Paula: "I feel inspired by the art of my people. I create art to continue what our people started long before me, to express my cultures and represent our people through art."

Paula's mother is Coast Salish from Chilliwack, her father is Tsimshian from Port Essington. It is unique to mix these two cultures to create my own style, she says.

Over the fall and winter semesters, she'll be giving her take on student life at NWCC. We're excited to see and read her posts and encourage you - the college community - to follow along.

Hi, I’m Paula Wesley.  I’m in my second year at Freda Diesing Art School working on carving projects.  I just wanted to share with you a thought that popped up today. It has been a mind-boggling week of trying to figure out how to balance my life with Art history research. From what I have learned in the last few weeks, I have started to find more about who I am. The more I dig, the more I discover about how Art is important to me and how I want to share this knowledge with generations to come.

I see that most artists struggle; in life, that is common and this builds strength. Becoming an artist, I accept that I will have this struggle and fight for survival, but that the purpose of these struggles is to make me stronger.

I identify myself as a visual artist, but also I use my other senses. How do I define these? You all know that we have five traditional senses:  sight, touch, smell, taste and hearing. Well, so far, you probably have not realized that “hearing” does not have any effect on me. In this blog, I want to educate people and make them aware that Deaf people can do anything other people can do except hear. I have already made my Deafness my strength since I have decided I don’t want to be invisible to the world.

The Deaf use their facial expressions, hands and body language – they depend on it for their communication.  For non-Deaf people, 85% of communication is non-verbal through body language, facial expressions and tones, but most people aren’t aware of this. So often, non-Deaf people will say very different things with their bodies than with their words. Deaf people pick up on this very quickly.

However, in spite of the differences, Deaf people do all the same things as the non-Deaf. Deaf people can drive, get groceries, forget our homework. Do I seem like a different person than you?  I think my hopes and dreams would seem very similar to yours. I hope one day we can meet and you will feel the same.

Stay tuned, next blog post will be about how Deaf Culture parallels Native Culture.

Student success: focus on the First Nations Fine Arts program

Northwest Community College students have great stories to tell. Get to know the future of the Northwest's workforce now.

Jamie Nole, First Nations Fine Arts student.

Jamie Nole is the first to admit she was pretty skeptical about post-secondary education and, specifically, Northwest Community College's (NWCC) Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art.

But a funny thing has happened during her first semester as a first-year student in the First Nations Fine Arts (FNFA) program.

"I thought it would be boring but I'm really enjoying it," said the soft-spoken Nole, a Tahltan/Nisga'a born in Terrace and raised in Iskut. First-year students begin with basic drawing and two dimensional design techniques and the history of designs and crests, and Nole says she already sees improvement in her work – especially her painting.

Nole has been keenly interested in art since she was an infant. Ever since she could pick up pencils, she was doodling and instead of toys, she would ask for art supplies and pencils. Her uncle Huey Carlick, a carver, sparked her interest in First Nations art, teaching her to draw shapes and form lines. However, when she moved back to Terrace some seven years ago, she says she felt disconnected and had no one to look up to.

In Nole's case, it was a few Freda Diesing School graduates who changed that and eventually landed her in the program at NWCC. Her stepdad, Sheldon Dennis, graduated with a FNFA Diploma in 2010. Around the same time, 2009 FNFA Diploma graduate Todd Stephens was her art teacher at Parkside Secondary in Terrace. Through them, she met several other current and former Freda Diesing School students.

"It's important to have peers and I think it's pretty important that they were telling me I need to be up (at NWCC's Freda Diesing School of Northwest Coast Art)," Nole said.

Now, Nole not only has peers but a wealth of knowledge in Freda Diesing School instructors, world renowed artists at their craft, plus visitors to the School, including premier gallery owners, museum curators and cultural advocates.

"It is nice to hear what Elders have to say," said Nole, who adds the School is currently hosting an instructor from the Vancouver-based Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Luke Parnell is teaching FDS students about art research. The students have to choose a photo from an image library and research the photo.

"It's really good to learn what ancestors did, then experiment with your own creative mind," said Nole, who is preparing for what will be her first-ever art show when the School puts on its annual Christmas show in December. First-year students typically display past artwork – crest design paintings – and other work. For Nole, she has been refining a series of hummingbird spray and acrylic paint designs (below right).

Nole has never sold a piece of art and admits that letting go of art – even for a price – is a necessary  step if one commits to a career in art. Everything, she says, is pointing to just that in her future. She has the support of her family and peers and interest in her hummingbird pieces that has buoyed her aspirations. It doesn't hurt that she is now immersed in full-time learning with role models such as FDS artists/instructors Dempsey Bob, Stan Bevan, Ken McNeil and Dean Heron.

"Jamie has displayed both passion and eagerness to learn, along with natural talent for the art and that's an ideal combination of skills to have as an aspiring artist," says Heron. "We are excited to see her continued progress and creativity."

Nole, who practices a mix of traditional and contemporary First Nations art, says she plans to do both years of the First Nations Fine Arts program at NWCC and go on to third year of the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree program at Emily Carr University.

Nole maintains her own blog, which details her experiences as a First Nations Fine Arts student and budding artist. Check it out here!